English 12 bore ???

[joem1945]

Over 20 years ago I picked up a couple of English 12 bore SXS hammer guns. 1 is Damask barrels. The other is marked "Nitro steel'. There are many British proof marks. My question is that it's marked 12 - 2 1/8 ". Is that the shell length? I might like to shoot it one in a while.

 

[Pete D.]

shell

Yes. The 2 1/8 is the shell length.
Anything longer wil not work (will not be safe.)
Aquila makes 1 3/4" mini shells.
http://aguilaammo.com/shotshell/

Quality two inch shells can be had from RST.
http://www.rstshells.com/

 

[joem1945]

Thanks so much. I'll se if I can order some.

 

[kozak6]

Also, the one with damascus steel barrels might not be safe to shoot.

I personally wouldn't risk it.

 

[kudu]

If you really want to get back into shooting them, have them fit with some subgauge tubes from Briley or Kolar. Might not be worth the expense if you want to just occasionally shoot them.

 

[joem1945]

I might look into 16 ga tubes.

 

[J-Bar]

Ballistic Products sells a neat little hull trimmer that makes it easy to shorten a 2 3/4 inch plastic hull to any length you want. Loading black powder shotshells is easy. No air gap between powder and shot cup, good tight crimp and you can have lots of fun.

 

[kudu]

I don't think anyone makes tubes in 16 gauge, wall thickness is too thin, 20 gauge is barely adequate.